Embark and U.S. Xpress Partner to Prepare Nationwide Terminal Network for Autonomous Transfer Point Operations

Rhea-AI Summary

Embark Trucks has partnered with U.S. Xpress to integrate its terminals into the Embark Coverage Map, enhancing the autonomous trucking network. This collaboration marks a vital step in optimizing autonomous trucking operations through existing infrastructure. Embark aims to streamline freight transfer processes between autonomous and driver-operated trucks, focusing initially on two terminals in Sunbelt states. This initiative is expected to accelerate the adoption of autonomous technology in the trucking industry and improve operational efficiency.

Positive

• Partnership with U.S. Xpress enhances operational efficiency of Embark's autonomous trucking.
• Integration of U.S. Xpress terminals provides an established network for smoother freight transfer.
• Initial focus on two key terminals indicates strategic planning for high-volume lanes.

Negative

• None.

Industry-first process adds carrier properties into the Embark Coverage Map

SAN FRANCISCO and CHATTANOOGA, Tenn., May 06, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Embark Trucks, Inc. (Nasdaq: EMBK, “Embark”), a leading developer of autonomous technology for the trucking industry, today announced that U.S. Xpress (NYSE: USX) has joined the Embark Partner Development Program and plans to add its terminals to the Embark Coverage Map. This partnership marks a significant milestone by adding a fleet's properties into an autonomous truck developer's transfer point network.

Embark pioneered the transfer point model in 2019 when the company unveiled its first sites in Los Angeles and Phoenix. Transfer points are used to move freight from driverless, long-haul trucks to driver-enabled trucks for first- and last-mile delivery. Since developing the model, Embark has conducted hundreds of hauls through these sites, refining required transfer point features and developing process flows for important onsite activities.

U.S. Xpress’ nationwide terminal network presents an opportunity for a carrier to leverage its existing real estate footprint to support efficient autonomous trucking operations. Through this partnership, Embark and U.S. Xpress will identify priority terminals based on traffic patterns, customer needs, and technical requirements. The companies will start with two terminals in Sunbelt states, creating a clear path to opening a high-volume lane for autonomous hauling.

The two companies plan to co-develop an onsite operations playbook that captures standard processes for when autonomous trucks enter U.S. Xpress properties. Expected solutions will include gate access, onsite vehicle movement, trailer swap procedures, inspections, data and power management, and more. By developing these procedures now, U.S. Xpress will be able to quickly integrate Embark-powered autonomous trucks as a complement to professional truck drivers within its operations.

"We’ve established U.S. Xpress as a carrier leader in autonomous trucking and this partnership is further evidence of our intention to be an early adopter of autonomous vehicle technology,” said Eric Fuller, President & CEO of U.S. Xpress. "Through this partnership with Embark, we’re taking the next important step in planning and preparing our terminal network to support executing our autonomous strategy."

"Through our partnership with U.S. Xpress, we have identified a unique opportunity to leverage U.S. Xpress' existing truck terminals, unlocking a more seamless scaling process," said Alex Rodrigues, CEO of Embark. "By utilizing existing truck terminals for transfer operations, Embark autonomous trucks will be able to more easily integrate with existing U.S. Xpress network assets such as last-mile driver capacity, parking, and maintenance services."

About Embark Trucks
Embark Trucks, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Nasdaq-listed Embark Technology, Inc. (Nasdaq: EMBK), is an autonomous vehicle company building the software powering autonomous trucks, focused on improving the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of the nearly $730 billion a year trucking market. Headquartered in San Francisco, CA since its founding in 2016, Embark is America’s longest-running self-driving truck program. The company partners with some of the largest shippers and carriers in the nation, collectively representing over 38,000 trucks.

Embark’s mission is to realize a world where consumers pay less for the things they need, drivers stay close to the homes they cherish, and roads are safer for the people we love. To learn more about Embark, visit embarktrucks.com.

U.S. Xpress Enterprises, Inc. is on a mission to make goods move better every day. Since its founding in 1985, the Company has evolved into a vital link in the supply chain, providing a portfolio of capacity solutions for its customers. This includes an established Dedicated fleet servicing some of the nation’s largest shippers, along with innovative over-the-road (OTR) and brokerage solutions. Variant, the Company’s driver-first OTR division, is one of the fastest-growing fleets in the industry. U.S. Xpress’ brokerage offering, Xpress Technologies, provides greater capacity for shippers, and for carriers, tools and resources to better manage and grow their business. Powered by nearly 9,000 professionals, these businesses are driving innovation across the industry and helping to shape the future of logistics.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Embark’s actual results may differ from their expectations, estimates and projections and consequently, you should not rely on these forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. Words such as “expect,” “estimate,” “project,” “budget,” “forecast,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “may,” “will,” “could,” “should,” “believes,” “predicts,” “potential,” “continue,” and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, Embark’s expectations with respect to future performance. These forward-looking statements also involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from the expected results. Factors that may cause such differences include, but are not limited to: (1) ability to expand into new markets; (2) changes in the applicable laws or regulations; (3) the possibility that Embark may be adversely affected by other economic, business, and/or competitive factors; (4) the impact of the global COVID-19 pandemic; and (5) other risks and uncertainties separately provided to you and indicated from time to time described in filings and potential filings by Embark with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including those discussed in the registration statement on Form S-4 and definitive proxy statement/prospectus and other documents filed with the SEC from time to time. These filings identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward looking statements. Embark cautions that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive and not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements, including projections, which speak only as of the date made. Embark undertakes no obligation to and accepts no obligation to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect any change in its expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

Media Contacts:
Misha Rindisbacher for Embark
press@embarktrucks.com

Brad Carmony for U.S. Xpress
bcarmony@usxpress.com

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b2a30df7-4bce-45b7-8452-6b7d1309ba2d

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d1de672e-ee18-40a9-9513-ddf04206482b

FAQ

What is the partnership between EMBK and U.S. Xpress about?

The partnership focuses on integrating U.S. Xpress terminals into the Embark Coverage Map to enhance autonomous trucking operations and streamline freight transfers.

How will the Embark-U.S. Xpress collaboration benefit autonomous trucking?

The collaboration will leverage U.S. Xpress's existing terminal network, facilitating the transition and operations of autonomous trucks while optimizing logistics.

What are the expected outcomes of the EMBK and U.S. Xpress partnership?

The partnership aims to improve efficiency in autonomous trucking operations, create high-volume lanes, and enable a seamless integration of driverless vehicles into existing freight systems.

What is the significance of the Embark Coverage Map?

The Embark Coverage Map is essential for planning the operational routes of autonomous trucks, particularly for coordinating with driver-operated trucking at terminal points.